The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Rivers State Branch, Mrs. Frimabo Life-George, has disclosed that the organisation successfully rescued a two-week-old baby boy who was abandoned at a local shrine in Abua, Rivers State.
According to Life-George, the incident was reported to FIDA on Sunday by a reliable source, prompting the organisation to immediately escalate the matter and collaborate with the police to rescue the infant.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the baby’s young mother had initially left the child in the care of the baby’s father due to a lack of financial support and basic necessities.
However, further findings indicated that the child’s grandfather allegedly took the infant from the father’s home and abandoned him in front of a shrine in the middle of the night.
Life-George said that upon receiving the report and ensuring the safe arrival of the child, the mother and concerned good Samaritans at the FIDA Legal Centre, the organisation swiftly intervened to protect the infant and provide urgent assistance.
She stated that FIDA immediately facilitated medical assessments for the baby at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and provided emergency support for the young mother to enable her continue breastfeeding and caring for her child.
While the infant is currently stable, Life-George noted that comprehensive medical examinations are still required to assess his overall health and long-term wellbeing. The case is presently being handled at RSUTH.
FIDA has appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and other well-meaning members of the public to support the ongoing intervention.
According to the organisation, funds are urgently needed to cover medical expenses, including laboratory tests and clinical evaluations prescribed by doctors, nutritional support for the young mother, and essential baby items such as diapers, clothing and other infant care products.
FIDA encouraged interested donors to visit the FIDA Legal Centre or contact the organisation directly for further information on how to support mothers and children.
